Method and apparatus for portable ball game

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus facilitating a portable game including a housing for receiving all parts of the game which housing and parts can be expeditiously assembled to form goals for playing a game on land or in the water. The housing comprises a cylinder, such as a bucket, cut in half vertically, being separable and re-connectable. Each half of the housing can include a hole to be used as a scoring goal. A modular extension pole supports each half of the housing. The game is preferably played with a ball and a first and second scoring goals. The method facilitates playing in water, grass/dirt/ground, and as a team sport.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a game for amusement. In particular, the present invention is a portable game including scoring goals deployable in water or on ground to facilitate the playing of the game.

Description of Related Art

Game apparatus are known including goals for playing a game with one or more players. U.S. Pat. No. 1,616,270 describes a game apparatus having a table with a fixed pocket. Players in turn bounce a rubber ball on the floor or table to bounce the ball into the pocket.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,602,504 describes a ball training and game device for outdoor or indoor use including an adjustable standard composed of telescoping tube sections. A base section including a spiked end can be attached to the standard. The spiked end can be driven into the ground. A backboard to which a basket is attached can be removably mounted to the standard.

It is desirable to provide a portable game including a housing for receiving all parts of the game which housing and parts can be expeditiously assembled to form goals for playing a game on land or in the water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a method and apparatus facilitating a portable game including a housing for receiving all parts of the game which housing and parts can be expeditiously assembled to form goals for playing a game on land or in the water. In one embodiment, the housing comprises a bucket cut in half vertically, being separable and re-connectable, with straps, a rope handle and lateral side holes. Each half of the bucket can be used as a scoring goal. The game is preferably played with a ball and a first and second scoring goals. The method facilitates playing in water, grass/dirt/ground, and as a team sport. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for playing the outdoor game in shallow water such as a lake or bay.

The invention will be more fully described by reference to the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the assembled first scoring goal connected to the modular poles.

FIG. 2 is a left side view thereof.

FIG. 3A is a rear and right perspective view thereof.

FIG. 3B is a bottom view of a cap adapter and end of an adjustment pole to be received in the cap adapter.

FIG. 3C is a bottom view of a cap adapter and end of an adjustment pole to be received in the cap adapter.

FIG. 4 is a inner perspective view thereof.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a first and second scoring goal.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a bucket that comprises a first and second scoring goal.

FIG. 7 is a front view of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a top view of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a bottom and side perspective view of FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a top and side perspective view of FIG. 6.

FIG. 12 is the front view of the first and second scoring goal during play.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the first and second scoring goal during play.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the first scoring goal during play.

FIG. 15A is a side view of the first scoring goal before attachment of a rope handle.

FIG. 15B is a side view of the first scoring goal during attachment of the rope handle.

FIG. 15C is a side view of the second scoring goal and attachment of the rope handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in greater detail to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate portable game apparatus 10 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Scoring goal 12 is coupled to modular pole 30.

Scoring goal 12 can be formed from housing 14. In one embodiment, scoring goal 12 includes half of housing 14 as shown in FIG. 2. Scoring goal 12 can be formed as a half of a cylinder having wall 13, closed end 15 and open end 16 as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 4. Scoring goal 12 includes scoring aperture 17 on wall 13. For example, scoring aperture 17 can be a six inch scoring hole disposed on wall surface 18.

Cord goal line 20 can extend from inner surface 22 of wall 13 from first side 23 to second side 24 to span the width of scoring goal 12. End 25 and end 26 of cord goal line 20 can respectfully extend through aperture 27 and aperture 28. End 25 and end 26 can be knotted outside of outer surface 29 of wall 13 to retain cord goal line 20. Alternatively, a coupling member can be used with end 25 and end 26 of cord goal line 20 to retain cord goal line 20. Cord goal line 20 can be formed of a flexible material. For example, cord goal line 20 can be formed of a bungee cord.

Scoring goal 12 is supported on modular extension pole 30. Modular extension pole 30 can be adjustable in height. Modular extension pole 30 can be formed of inner adjustment pole 32, extension pole 33, base pole 34, coupling 35 and base spike 36. Base spike 36 comprises angled end 37 for anchoring modular extension pole 30 into the ground. Bottom end 33 of extension pole 30 can have relief cuts for easy connection and disconnection from coupling 35 attached to base pole 34.

For example modular extension pole 30 can be formed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Alternate embodiments of modular extension pole 30 can comprise a flat platform or a base. Base pole 34, extension pole 33, and adjustment pole 32 are preferably all 15.5″ in length though it should be easily conceivable to those with ordinary skill in the art that the specific dimensions of the poles may change in alternate embodiments.

Cap adapter 40 can be attached to outer surface 29 of wall 13 of scoring goal 12. Cap adapter 40 can have a cylindrical shape with an open end 42 facing in downward direction 43 as shown in FIG. 10. Cap adapter 40 can be secured to each scoring goal 12 with rivets 44. Top end 31 of adjustment pole 32 can be received within cap adapter 40 as shown in FIG. 3A. Top end 31 of adjustable pole 32 can include slot 45 to accept cap adapter 40 as shown in FIG. 3B. Slot 45 accepts rivets 44 having end 47 which slide within slot 45 as shown in FIG. 3C. Top end 31 of adjustable pole 32 can also include relief cuts for easy connection and disconnection to cap adapter 40. It will be appreciated that many variations can be used to attach cap adapter 40 to each scoring goal. In one embodiment, cap adapter 40 is molded to scoring goal 12.

Base spike 36, if used, can be received in end 46 of base pole 34. Fastening member 50 is received in aperture 52 of base pole 34 for attaching base spike 36 to base pole 34. Fastening member 50 can contact base pole 34. Inner adjustment pole 32 can be received and telescoped within extension pole 33.

The length of inner adjustment pole 32 received in extension pole 33 is adjustable and can be retained at the adjusted length by using fastening member 60. Fastening member 60 is received in aperture 62 of extension pole 33. Fastening member 60 can contact inner adjustment pole 32. For example, fastening member 60 can be thumb screw that is screwed through aperture 62 into inner extension pole 33. Alternate embodiments may utilize a different fastening members well known and widely utilized in the relevant arts such as snap fasteners, magnetic fasteners, screw fasteners, and/or the like. It should be appreciated that in alternate embodiments, the number of modular pole sections may change in order to accommodate different heights. Many variations and modifications to modular extension pole are easily conceivable.

Base spike 36 can be hammered into the ground when playing on grass. Base spike 36 can comprise different stabilizing components in alternate embodiments

In one embodiment, scoring goal 12 is made of a modified five gallon bucket cut vertically into first scoring goal 12 a and second scoring goal 12 b as shown in FIG. 5. Each game contains first scoring goal 12 a and second scoring goal 12 b and respective first modular extension pole 30 a and second modular extension pole 30 b.

Referring to FIGS. 6-11 portable housing 14 comprises scoring goal 12 a and scoring goal 12 b. In one embodiment, scoring goal 12 a and scoring goal 12 b comprises two halves of a bucket which can be put back together. Coupling member 70 can be used to retain first scoring goal 12 a adjacent to second scoring goal 12 b. In one embodiment, coupling member 70 includes hook 72 and projection 74. Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 8, hook 72 is attached to outer surface 29 of wall 13 of first scoring goal 12 a on side 75. Projection 74 is attached to outer surface 29 of wall 13 of first scoring goal 12 a on side 76. Hook 72 is attached to outer surface 29 of wall 13 of second scoring goal 12 b on side 77. Projection 74 is attached to outer surface 29 of wall 13 of second scoring goal 12 b on side 78. Each hook 72 can be received over a respective projection 74 for attaching first scoring goal 12 a to second scoring goal 12 b.

Strap 82 is attached to outer surface 29 of wall 13 of first scoring goal 12 a on side 85. Strap 84 is attached to outer surface 29 of wall 13 of first scoring goal 12 a on side 86. Strap 82 is attached to outer surface 29 of wall 13 of second scoring goal 12 b on side 87. Strap 84 is attached to outer surface 29 of wall 13 of second scoring goal 12 b on side 88. Each respective strap 82 or 84 can include a hook or loop material for attaching to a respective hook or loop material of respective strap 82 or 84. For example, the hook and loop material can be Velcro. Straps 82 and 84 are secured to respective first scoring goal 12 a and second scoring goal 12 b with an adhesive though many different methods well known and widely utilized in the relevant arts are easily conceivable.

Rope 90 disposed on upper portion 92 of each of first scoring goal 12 a and second scoring goal 12 b comprises a plurality of scoring beads 94 whereby the number of goals scored by each team may be recorded. Handle 100 can be attached to first scoring goal 12 a and second scoring goal 12 b.

Alternate embodiments of the present invention may utilize a different fastening mechanism for connecting the first and second scoring goal. Said fastening mechanisms may include screw fasteners, magnetic fasteners, interlocking snap fasteners, and/or like mechanisms well known in the relevant arts. Once the bucket halves are together, the bucket will now store and transport the support poles and game ball.

In reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the present invention also comprises a method of utilizing the apparatus to play a game. In one embodiment, the game is called Bakeke Ball. The method comprises playing in the water, playing on grass/dirt/ground, and team play. Playing on grass/dirt/ground comprises hammering base spike 36 into the ground at a minimum twenty feet distance and setting bottom of first scoring goal 12 a and second scoring goal 12 b at about three feet height. When playing with two person teams, teammates stand on opposite ends and alternate turns. With one person teams, opponents stand on opposite ends and alternate turns as well. To commence playing the game, players toss ball 200 at a respective first scoring goal 12 a or second scoring goal 12 b opposite to the player. Example trajectories of ball 200 include arrows 202 and 204. One point is awarded for hitting first scoring goal 12 a or second scoring goal 12 b.

Three points are awarded for throwing the ball through scoring aperture 17. An automatic win is awarded when a player “BUCKS-IT”. This occurs when ball 200 is tossed and remains on ledge 205 of bottom 15 of scoring goal 12 behind cord goal line 20 as shown in FIG. 14.

Referring to FIG. 12, points are erased if a player steps past respective first scoring goal 12 a or second scoring goal 12 b adjacent to the player when tossing ball 200 or if an opponent on the opposite end makes a “robbery”. This occurs when the opponent on the opposite end catches ball 200 after it hits respective first scoring goal 12 a or second scoring goal 12 b adjacent to the player, or goes through scoring aperture 17 before ball 200 hits ground 210. An opponent trying to make a “robbery” can move side to side, but must remain behind modular extension pole 30 until ball 200 makes contact with respective first scoring goal 12 a and second scoring goal 12 b adjacent to the player. Players/teams continue alternating tosses until one team reaches 21 points or gets an automatic win. Score can be kept by sliding beads 94 on rope 92 in one direction, for example to the left.

Bakeke Ball can also be played with one or two person teams in water as shown in FIG. 15. First scoring goal 12 a and second scoring goal 12 b are driven into the ground in waist to thigh deep water 300 and preferably kept suspended over water 300. When playing with two person teams, teammates stand on opposite ends and alternate turns. With one person teams, opponents stand on opposite ends and alternate turns as well and decide which team will start play. Players must skip ball 200 off of water 300 in an attempt to hit first scoring goal 12 a or second scoring goal 12 b opposite to the player. One point is awarded for hitting respective first scoring goal 12 a or second scoring goal 12 b. Three points are awarded for skipping ball 200 through scoring aperture 17. An automatic win is awarded when a player “BUCKS-IT.” This occurs when ball 200 is skipped and remains on ledge 205 of bottom 15 of scoring goal 12 behind cord goal line 20 as shown in FIG. 14.

When playing with two person teams, the teammate that is not throwing the ball must play defense and make a “save.” A “save” occurs when the ball is skipped and does not make contact with respective first scoring goal 12 a or second scoring 12 b adjacent the player and the teammate on the receiving end keeps ball 200 from getting past him/her. If ball 200 does get past, it is called an “error.” An “error” results in a one-point deduction for that team. Additionally, if ball 200 makes contact with respective first scoring goal 12 a or second scoring 12 b or goes through scoring aperture 17 and the teammate catches the ball before it hits the water, it will result in a “double.” This means that the points awarded for either hitting respective first scoring goal 12 a or second scoring 12 b or going through scoring aperture 17 will be doubled. There is also no “robberies” in this playing mode.

Furthermore, there is also a one-point deduction in the event of a “wild pitch”. A “wild pitch” occurs when the player throwing hits first scoring goal 12 a or second scoring goal 12 b on the fly without skipping ball 200 on the water. When playing with 1 person teams, the “save” and “error” components are not used. Instead, the “robbery” component takes their place. Points are erased if player steps past first scoring goal 12 a or second scoring goal 12 b adjacent to the player when skipping ball 200. Players/teams continue alternating tosses until one team reaches twenty one points or gets an automatic win. Score can be kept by sliding beads 94 on rope 92 to the left. Many more variations and modifications to the preferred method of playing the game should be easily conceivable to those with ordinary skill in the relevant arts.

Housing 14 and modular extension pole 30 can be formed of plastic. In the preferred embodiment housing 14 is composed of polymeric materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). High density plastics may be utilized in one of more portions of first scoring goal 12 a and second scoring goals 12 b. Rope 92 and cord goal line 20 can be made of polymeric fabric materials such as nylon or polyester, or any other material currently in use in the relevant fields. However, it is easily conceivable that in possible alternate embodiments, each component may be made of a particular material specifically suited to withstand the structural loads and thermal conditions associated with normal and extraneous operating conditions. Additionally, it is easily conceivable to those having ordinary skills in the relevant arts, that metals, glass, organic, and/or composite materials may also be utilized. In addition, the specific dimensions of individual components may also change in alternate embodiments.

FIG. 15A-15C illustrate an embodiment of portable game apparatus 10 including rope handle 300 which can be attached to scoring goal 12 a & 12 b. FIG. 15A illustrates rope handle 300 including knot 302 at end 304. FIG. 15B illustrates rope handle 300 with knot 302 at end 304 received in aperture 310 formed in wall 13 of scoring goal 12 a. FIG. 15C illustrates rope handle 300 with knot 305 at end 306 received in aperture 312 in wall of scoring goal 12 b to have knot 305 positioned inside of scoring goal 12 b keeping rope handle attached to scoring goal 12 b. It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative of only a few of the many possible specific embodiments, which can represent applications of the principles of the invention. Numerous and varied other arrangements can be readily devised in accordance with these principles by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for a portable game comprising: a first scoring goal and a second scoring goal, said first scoring goal and second scoring goal being removably attached to one another to form a housing; a scoring aperture disposed in a wall of each of the first scoring goal and the second scoring goal; and a first modular pole for supporting the first scoring goal and a second modular pole for supporting the second scoring goal, wherein said first modular pole and said second modular pole can be removed from the respective first scoring goal and the second scoring goal and received in said housing for transporting said game.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first scoring goal and said second scoring goal are each formed as a half of a cylinder with a closed end and open end on either side of the wall.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first scoring goal and said second scoring goal are each formed as a half of a bucket vertically cut into the first scoring goal and the second scoring goal.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a first cord goal line extending from an inner surface of the wall from a first side a second side to span the width of the first scoring goal and a second cord goal line extending from an inner surface of the wall from a first side a second side to span the width of the second scoring goal.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein a first end of the first cord goal line extends through a first aperture on the first side of the first scoring goal and a second end of the first cord goal line extends through a second aperture on the second side of the first scoring goal.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein a first end of the second cord extends through a first aperture on the first side of the second scoring goal and a second end of the first cord goal line extends through a second aperture on the second side of the second scoring goal.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first modular pole and the second modular pole are adjustable in height.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first modular pole and the second modular pole are formed of a plurality of telescoping portions.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first modular pole and the second modular pole each comprise a base spike at a respective first end thereof.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a cap having a downward opening is attached to an outside surface of a wall of the first scoring goal and the second scoring goal, the first modular pole being received in the cap attached to the first scoring goal and the second modular pole being received in the cap attached to the second scoring goal.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the modular pole comprises an inner adjustment pole, extension pole, base pole and base spike, the inner adjustment pole is received in the extension pole and is adjustable and retained at the adjusted length by using a first fastening member, the base pole is received on opposite end of the extension pole, the base pole can slide over the base spike, and the base spike can be tightened to the base pole with a second fastener.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first scoring goal and the second scoring goal are removably attached to one another with at least one hook attached either the first scoring goal or the second scoring goal and corresponding at least one projection being attached to the other one of the first scoring goal or the second scoring goal in which the hook is received on the projection for attaching the first scoring goal to the second scoring goal.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first scoring goal and the second scoring goal are removably attached to one another with at least one first strap attached to the first scoring goal and at least one second strap attached to the second scoring goal in which said first strap attaches to said second strap.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a first rope disposed on an upper portion of the first scoring goal, a second rope disposed on an upper portion of the second scoring goal, a plurality of scoring beads retained on the first rope and the second rope.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a rope handle, said rope handle having a first end secured to the first scoring goal and a second end removably received in a slot of the second scoring goal, the first and second end each including a knot for attaching the rope handle respectively to the first scoring goal and the second scoring goal.
 16. A method for playing a portable game comprising the steps of: providing a first scoring goal and a second scoring goal, said first scoring goal and second scoring goal, a scoring aperture disposed in a wall of each of the first scoring goal and the second scoring goal, a first modular pole for supporting the first scoring goal and a second modular pole for supporting the second scoring goal and a first cord goal line extending from an inner surface of the wall from a first side a second side to span the width of the first scoring goal and second cord goal line extending from an inner surface of the wall from a first side second side to span the width of the second scoring goal; a first one or more players taking turns tossing a ball at the first scoring goal and a second one or more players taking turns tossing a ball at the second scoring goal; and awarding one point for hitting the respective first scoring goal or the second scoring goal, three points for throwing the ball through the scoring aperture, an automatic win when the ball is tossed and remains on the bottom of the respective first scoring goal or the second scoring goal a ledge of the first scoring goal or the second scoring goal behind the cord goal line to comprise a score
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the ball is tossed by skipping the ball on a water surface towards the respective first scoring goal or second scoring goal.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein when playing with two person teams, the teammate that is not throwing the ball plays defense and makes a save when the ball is skipped and does not make contact with the respective first scoring goal or second scoring goal and the teammate on the receiving end keeps the ball from getting past him/her and if the ball does get passed, an “error” occurs, the error results in a one-point deduction for that team.
 19. The method of claim 17 wherein if the ball makes contact with respective scoring first scoring goal or second scoring goal or goes through the scoring aperture and a teammate catches the ball before it hits the water a double is made and the points awarded for either hitting respective scoring first scoring goal or second scoring goal or going through the scoring aperture are doubled.
 20. The method of claim 17 wherein a wild pitch is awarded when a player tossing hits the first scoring goal or the second scoring goal on the fly without skipping ball on the water and one point can be deducted from the score. 